Online video introduction site WooMe sent me the results of a Harris Interactive poll that point to one of the main reasons why online dating sites fail – because there is no live interaction with video.
I disagree that video is a main reason why online dating sites have trouble attracting new members and creating lasting relationships. I wouldn’t call it failing, more like underperforming.
If I recall correctly, in a study a few years back video was listed 13th in terms of what singles would like changed about online dating.
That said, for 20-somethings, WooMe is a natural. I find it interesting that the over-30 crowd tends to use the standalone video applications that have been around for a decade or more.
Flirting Online a Major Struggle for Nearly Three-Quarters of Single Adults
WooMe, the world’s first live introductions platform, today announced the results of a survey* that illustrates the need for singles to set aside their online flirting tactics and retire the use of emotions to express interest in that special someone. According to the survey, nearly 3 out of 4 single online adults (72 percent) find flirting online more difficult than in person, citing the inability to observe body language, gauge chemistry and assess physical appearance as major contributing factors.
Online dating woes don’t stop there. In addition to the pressure to spark initial interest, singles better be looking their best. According to the survey, 61 percent of single adults say looks are most likely to attract them to someone within the first minute of an introduction. Only 17 percent said they thought sense of humor was most important and an even lower nine percent said they value intelligence most. Ironically, less than one in three single adults (31 percent) who have an online profile regularly update the picture on their social network or online dating site profile(s), so it’s almost impossible to predict how an online love interest might look when they show up for that crucial first date.
“Chemistry is an enigma. There are many factors that go into establishing chemistry and being able to interact with someone tells you more in 30 seconds than hours of compatibility tests or emailing,†said Stephen Stokols, CEO and co-founder of WooMe. “With WooMe, people meet face-to-face via webcam in fast and fun live introductions where they can decide if they are ‘wooed’ in one minute and move on if they are not.â€
First impressions can make or break a potential relationship. More than a quarter of single adults (26 percent) said they would be more likely to use an online dating site if they could use a webcam to interact live with other members. With WooMe, the power of the first impression goes beyond words on a screen and a static photo that may be seriously out of date. As a result, 77 percent of WooMe users were able to decide whether or not they wanted to get to know someone better in only 30 seconds.
